(disclaimer: I'm very much an auto-idiot, this is my first new car, and my last car was a 12 yo VW....that said, I apologize for these silly & nervous-owner questions. but...)

1) i've noticed a dunk-dunk-dunk (sounds like a heart beating) engine noise that seems to occur esp. after a lot of accel/decels on LA local streets (i.e., lots of red lights, cars/traffic).

2) this is my first car with a functional a/c... is it normal for fluid to drip from the front of the car when i use the a/c?

and since i'm at it...
3) my mpg has been averaging about 22 (local traffic) and 25 (hwy). is this normal, or is this likely a result of my poor driving?

4) how long should i warm the engine up before driving in the morning? in the manual, i think it says to not keep the engine idling in the morning but i have a feeling i'm just reading it incorrectly....

whew! sorry about all the questions, and thank you !!

btw: my car's a 2007 mcs, automatic...

 

Sport button could help Dunk Dunk
A/C water normal
MPG premium gas only
No need to warm up

 

Here goes. (1) Just to be safe let your dealer hear that noise.(2) Normal, this is the condensate drain.( 3) Normal for city stop/go driving, will improve as engine breaks in. (4) Do as the book says, dont idle just take off. These engines are designed for this. Engines warm up quickly. Happy Motoring.

 

When first driving, just drive it easy for a minute or two. Stay off the turbo until the engine has had a minute or two to warm up.

If you use the 'Sport' button all the time, you mileage will be effected with the automatic.

As you get more miles, the car's gas mileage will improve a bit.

 

thank you for all your replies! I truly appreciate it...